Vocational Coordinator, Life and Career Studies Program

Lakeland University•Plymouth, WI

48d

About The Position

Lakeland University seeks a mission-oriented individual passionate about creating a more inclusive world to join the Life and Career Services Program team. This four year residential program is designed to prepare students for meaningful employment, as well as independent and community living. The vocational coordinator will play an important leadership role in building out the career portion of the program. General Expectations All Lakeland University staff members are expected to: Demonstrate in their words and actions an appreciation for the history of Lakeland University and a commitment to its stated mission; Represent unequivocally in their behavior the stated values of the institution; Be good stewards of the institution's resources, including its personnel and the goodwill of its friends, its alumni, and local community; Work collaboratively (as opposed to competitively) with their peers to meet objectives and achieve our goals; Keep their supervisor appropriately informed; Be forthright and honest in their communication with all members of the college community; Treat all members in a manner of teamwork and respect; Advise their supervisor with respect to all matters that require their attention, including their own performance.

Requirements

Hold a bachelor's degree or higher in special education, rehabilitation psychology, or vocational rehabilitation, or related degree; advanced degree preferred.
Have at least 2 years relevant teaching or related experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities at the secondary or post-secondary level.
Possess knowledge and skill relating to assessment, development of person centered and individualized course learning plans, creating accommodations and modifications, and Universal Design.
Be committed and able to promote positive change through an inclusive learning environment.
Possess excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication and conflict resolution skills.
Have the flexibility to work, daytime, evening, and weekend hours as required to carry out the responsibilities of the position.
Have the ability to use computer software and other technology to effectively manage the program.
Be able to travel to volunteer and/or employment sites.
Be energized by the opportunity to build, implement, and continuously improve the program to serve our community.

Responsibilities

Oversee LCS career development including:
Academic support for Cooperative Education (CoOp) coursework
Organize, train, recruit for job coaching
Provide direct job coaching
Recruit / work with CoOp to secure CoOp placements
Serve as CoOp point of contact
Provide life skills coursework and person-centered plan goal work direction and support in job-related skills (resume building, interview skills, soft skills, etc.)
Build relationships for students with local, "hometown" DVR (or equivalent)
Ensure that each student develops a long-range transitional plan.
Assist students to find competitive, inclusive employment upon graduation
Develop and implement strategies for ongoing program improvement.
Assist in recruiting, advising, and retaining students in the program including providing informational sessions to prospective students and their families.
Work with family members and students from inquiry to graduation and beyond to problem-solve and ensure a successful transition and educational experience.
Assist the development of program curriculum and learning experiences.
Develop, monitor, and update person-centered plans based on student strengths, needs, and future vision.
Hire, lead, and evaluate program personnel including a graduate assistant and undergraduate student supports responsible for mentoring, academic coaching, job coaching, and assisting with residential and student life programming.
Track and report progress toward program goals using a range of metrics.
Assist with program promotion through informational sessions and meeting with potential donors as requested.